Commercial truck accidents in Texas not only result in significant injuries and logistical costs, but they also lead to complex legal disputes requiring specialized knowledge and skills. The Lone Star state’s busy highways increase the risk of accidents, leading to complex legal disputes over fault and compliance with regulations. For trucking companies, these accidents can trigger intricate liability questions and disputes involving multiple parties and significant financial implications.
If your trucking company is facing a legal dispute, it is essential to have a seasoned defense attorney in your corner to protect your business interests. At Fahl & Donaldson, our attorneys are committed to shielding your company from liability as they advocate for the best possible outcome on your behalf. We have over 100 years of combined experience and are ready to help you defend your business’s reputation and future.
4 Common Types of Commercial Truck Accident Cases We Handle in Texas
Truck accidents are complex, often involving multiple possible responsible parties and other legal disputes. A few common types of truck accident cases our attorneys handle in Texas include the following:
Trucking Company Liability Disputes
If a truck involved in an accident is owned by a commercial trucking company, the company is often blamed for the collision and resulting damages. However, it is important to note that trucking companies are only liable for accidents in certain situations, including the following:
- Engaging in negligent hiring practices
- Failing to conduct background checks
- Failing to maintain trucks
- Neglecting to provide adequate training
- Pressuring drivers to ignore safety regulations
- Violating federal or state trucking laws
While this is not a complete list, if the criteria above do not apply to your case, your company may not be liable for the accident and the victim’s losses. Your attorney will review every aspect of your case to determine how to best defend your business.
One qualification question that has changed recently involves driver qualifications more broadly. Since June 2025, a driver’s inability to meet the federal English Language Proficiency standard has been treated as an out-of-service violation, reversing 2016 guidance that had relaxed enforcement. If a driver involved in an accident had a documented ELP issue, a plaintiff’s attorney may try to fold that into a negligent hiring or supervision argument, which makes a company’s driver qualification files more important than ever to review early.
Manufacturer Defects
Sometimes, truck accidents are not caused by the trucking company or the truck driver, but instead by the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. If a manufacturer defect or faulty design led to a malfunction that caused the accident, the manufacturer may be held accountable for the victim’s injuries.
Improper Loading
Many trucking companies employ contractors to load cargo onto their trucks. If these cargo loaders make mistakes during the loading process, such as failing to secure cargo, devastating accidents may occur. In these situations, the cargo loading company may be found partially or totally liable for the victim’s losses.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
Often, truck drivers may act independently of their employers by engaging in dangerous or reckless behavior despite their rigorous training. One common example of this is drivers who choose to operate commercial vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unless the trucking company failed to conduct a background check or drug test on the driver in question, the driver will be held responsible instead of the company.
Speak With a Skilled Trucking Accident Defense Attorney at Fahl & Donaldson
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident involves various legal challenges that can significantly impact your trucking company’s operations and financial stability. At Fahl & Donaldson, we provide robust legal support to our clients across Texas. Our team of seasoned trucking defense attorneys, including our 18-wheeler and big rig accident defense team, is committed to safeguarding your interests and ensuring your business remains protected during this challenging time.
For dedicated legal representation that addresses your business’s needs, look no further than Fahl & Donaldson. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation by completing our contact form, or review our Houston truck accident defense statistics to better understand the scope of these disputes across Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Truck Accident Disputes
Is my trucking company automatically liable if one of our trucks is involved in an accident?
No. Liability depends on the specific facts, such as whether the company engaged in negligent hiring, failed to maintain the vehicle, or otherwise violated a safety regulation. Ownership of the truck alone does not establish fault.
What is the new English Language Proficiency standard and why does it matter for my defense?
Since June 2025, a commercial driver who cannot meet the federal English Language Proficiency standard can be placed out of service. If a driver in your case had a documented issue with this standard, it may be raised as part of a negligent hiring or supervision argument, so reviewing your driver qualification files early matters.
Can a truck manufacturer be liable instead of my company?
Yes, if a defect in the truck or one of its components contributed to the accident. This typically requires an engineering or product liability analysis separate from the standard accident investigation.
What if a third-party contractor loaded the cargo, not my own employees?
A cargo loading company may share or bear liability if improper loading contributed to the accident. Contracts, loading records, and inspection logs are typically central to sorting out responsibility between your company and the loader.
Is my company liable if a driver was under the influence at the time of the accident?
Generally, the driver bears responsibility for their own decision to drive impaired. Your company’s exposure typically depends on whether it properly conducted background checks and drug testing as required.